You could take hundreds of classes on hundreds of subjects and have so many degrees or certificates and all those pieces of academic recognition…. but you may never learn about yourself.

Over the years, I think I’ve learned a great deal about myself. I’ve spent a lot of time reflecting and processing on my experiences, on the issues I dealt with as a student and student-leader, and on my personal relationships. You know? But reflecting… and processing… doesn’t necessarily mean figuring myself out. All that thinking about my actions… most of the time it led to overthinking and maybe even overreacting. I don’t know. But even as a college graduate and after 17 years of schooling, maybe we all don’t know that much about ourselves.

Over the past few months… I’ve learned so much more. About myself. I’ve learned and relearned my emotional capacities… I’ve learned and relearned my social capacities. I’ve had to tell myself it’s okay. You’ll be okay. You are okay. And still, time and time again, I seem to take a little hit to my ego, pride, confidence, mostly because I’m stubborn and needy. And I have to tell myself it’s okay to be like that. It’s okay. And I know it’s up to me and my attitude to find the bright side in situations or push me through the day, week, month. But I’ve also come to learn that my closeness with others seriously conflicts and hinders my attitude. Sometimes I wish others would make things better for me. And other times, I know that I have to make things better for myself.

Over the last few weeks, I’ve learned that it all takes time. Art, friendship, work. Life. And I’ve learned to come to terms with that. Greatness doesn’t happen over night. The years, months, and weeks that it takes to an achievement can be extremely transformable. Even though that time makes your restless and insecure, it also makes you stronger and better for what comes next. You know you’re better… but you still have room for improvement. You know you have more to learn.

Post-script to Self and Readers: Yet another reflective piece (and there’s nothing wrong with that). I know that my way of coping and processing is different than others’, but I hope… maybe my writing can help you empathize with yourself (and others).